Night flight to Antarctica

So we can land on a blacked-out aircraft carrier in stormy seas at night. We can fly into the eye of a Category 5 hurricane. But apparently, until yesterday, it was too risky to try and land a plane in Antarctica at night.
WTF!?
Did it just take them 50 years to try this? It can't be that difficult for a skilled pilot, can it?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080913/sc_afp/nzealandantarcticausscienceaviation_080913020315

 

Seriously harsh environment, bro. Coldest temperatures on the planet (below 0o F average every month) that take their toll on anything left outside, lots of blowing snow and your "runway" is an unpredictable ice sheet rather than an actual smooth runway.

 

Does this include a couple nights at the Antarctica Holiday Inn?

 

I think so, and you can upgrade to the Base Esperanza Courtyard by Marriott for $50 more.

 

I choose to go for the economy package at the Adeline Sleep Inn.

 

Um, this hotel talk is referring to one of the best old-school night crew threads ever.

 

Night Flight? I was hoping this would be about Rhonda Shear.

 

Sorry, no Doug and the Slugs.

 

Live a little. You should spend a night at the 5-star Admiral Byrd Ritz-Carlton.

 

On my salary? I'm lucky to have heat in my room.

 

Just for BYH:



Sadly, Holiday Inn no longer sponsors Weather Underground's hotel listings. :'(

(That logo just screams "1980s!")

 

Try Priceline. You can get some good deals at the Ritz in the offseason.